How do artists use shadows to enhance the dimensionality of granite animal sculptures?

Artists skillfully manipulate shadows to bring granite animal sculptures to life, adding depth and realism to their creations. By carefully carving textures and angles, they control how light interacts with the stone, creating dynamic shadows that emphasize muscle definition, fur patterns, and other intricate details. The interplay of light and dark enhances the three-dimensional quality, making the sculptures appear more lifelike. Techniques like undercutting and strategic surface roughening create deeper shadows in key areas, while polished sections reflect light to highlight features. This mastery of shadow work transforms solid granite into seemingly fluid, animated forms, showcasing the artist's ability to harness natural elements in their craft.